The Cleveland Cavaliers have yet to respond after losing LeBron James to the Philadelphia 76ers. The Cavs reportedly have free agent stars DeMar DeRozan and Peyton Watson on their radar, but there hasn’t been much movement.
For weeks, Cleveland waited on James, thinking the 22-time All-Star, the league’s oldest player, would choose the team he started with for one last hurrah. Instead, James saw a cleaner path to a championship with the Sixers and the opportunity to play alongside his buddy Tyrese Maxey.
After James signed, it was reported that the Cavs emerged as strong suitors to land free agent forward Jonathan Kuminga in a sign-and-trade with the Atlanta Hawks. The Kuminga sweepstakes have hit a standstill for interested teams.
Maybe the Cavs should take a chance on a Western Conference star who has been stuck in New Orleans for the last seven years.
The Cavaliers Trade Idea That Lands Star Forward Zion Williamson
GettyNEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MARCH 11: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts after scoring during the fourth quarter of an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Smoothie King Center on March 11, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Pelicans star Zion Williamson is one of those players who can make you say, “Oh, wow, he’s that good,” when you watch him play, only to fade from the collective consciousness when he’s sidelined. It is clear Williamson, 26, needs a change of scenery. The forward-needy Cavs could be a perfect landing spot for him.
In a hypothetical scenario, the Cavs pick up the phone and call the Pelicans to discuss a trade for Williamson, a former No. 1 overall pick. Here’s a proposed framework.
Cavs receive: Zion Williamson
Pelicans receive: Jarrett Allen, Dennis Schroder, a 2031 first round pick and a 2032 second round pick
It is important to reiterate that this trade is hypothetical and intended as a suggestion. So, why might this trade work well for both teams?
Why New Orleans and Cleveland Do the Deal
The Pelicans have drawn widespread criticism for standing pat this offseason after finishing with just 26 wins in the 2025-26 season. The franchise appears stuck and has no direction. As for Williamson, the belief is that the former All-Star forward will not receive a contract extension.
“With two years remaining on his deal, Zion is eligible for an extension this offseason, but it’s highly unlikely that he will get one,” reported NBA insider Brett Siegel. “Even though the Pelicans still believe in the former No. 1 pick, they are in no rush to lock him into a new deal and want to see him put together another complete season after playing in 62 games a season ago.”
Added Siegel: “It would be a major surprise to many around the NBA if Zion received an extension offer from the Pels,” Siegel added.
With Williamson coming off his best season in multiple years, now might be the most opportune time for the Pelicans to move him. Last season, Williamson appeared in 62 games and averaged 21 points per game while shooting 60 percent from the floor.
In Cleveland, his fit alongside James Harden, Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley would be seamless, with Mobley sliding to the starting center and Williamson slotting in as the starting power forward.
Would that Cavs lineup be enough to contend with the Sixers and the champion New York Knicks in the East?
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